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Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God's love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. ​

Gaining skills to build better future for the children

October 1, 2012

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MCC Photo/Nina LintonThrough the MCC-supported Episcopal Church of Sudan’s Mother’s Union tailoring project in Juba, South Sudan, women such as Flora Lino are gaining skills that they can use to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonEach year, 20 women participate in this six-month program supported by MCC. At the completion of the program, participants can buy their sewing machine at a reduced rate.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonStaying close to their mothers, children become familiar with sewing machines and the sights and sounds of a sewing class. Ester Keji, 2, explores the mechanical aspects of a sewing machine while her mother Jerisa Muro is busy with her hand stitching.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonNancy Baako sews as her daughter Winnie Alfred looks on. In the background are other children whose mothers are learning to sew.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonBlue ink outlines the shape of a baby’s dress and records measurements in this pattern sketchbook.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonTailoring instructor Mustafa Atrima shows the dress to students. In addition to teaching students how to sew and training them in life and business skills, leaders urge graduates to continue to come to the center for encouragement and further assistance as needed.

MCC Photo/Nina LintonThe program has made a difference for graduates such as Rose David who finished the program and now sews at her home. Before, David says, “when the children came home from school, we had nothing to eat.” Now that she is working, her children have enough food and can receive medical care. Read more about MCC’s work in South Sudan in the fall issue of A Common Place magazine. David is shown with her children (back) Daniel, Elizabeth, Samson, Nelson, (front) Moses and Esther.

Staying close to their mothers, children become familiar with sewing machines and the sights and sounds of a sewing class in Juba, South Sudan.